Photo By Tech. Sgt. Alexis Wade | Senior Master Sgt. Stephen McGlamery, wing first sergeant assigned to the 179th...... read more read more
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The journey to becoming a first sergeant in the United States Air Force requires years of dedicated service, leadership, and a deep commitment to serving others. This path begins with a strong foundation as an enlisted Airman, with an emphasis on technical proficiency as well as emotional intelligence in order to develop the skills needed to succeed as a first sergeant, and to truly impact those they serve.
For Senior Master Sgt. Stephen McGlamery, the 179th Cyberspace Wing First Sergeant in Mansfield, Ohio, this journey to becoming a first sergeant has been one developing for over three decades.
In 1991 at age 17, McGlamery Joined the North Carolina Army National Guard as a lightweight vehicle mechanic, serving in this role for over 12 years. When the decision came to re-enlist or separate, McGlamery credits his fellow service members for his continuation of service.
“I felt like I had let my friends down,” stated McGlamery, reflecting on his initial decision to separate.
McGlamery chose to continue his service, eventually leading to another 12 years of service, only this time in a different branch.
McGlamery chose to transfer to the North Carolina Air National Guard, specializing in cyber operations. McGlamery’s path eventually led him to Mansfield, Ohio, serving at the 179th in cyber operations, then switching roles to become a loadmaster, and finally to his current role as a first sergeant for the 179th.
McGlamery credits his past military experiences for the first sergeant role he is in today.
In 2016 while on a deployment as a loadmaster to Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, McGlamery willingly helped the first sergeant during any periods of downtime, quickly seeing the impact a first sergeant has on their airmen. McGlamery again experienced the impactfulness of a first sergeant when he fell ill during a deployment in 2018, and was flown to Kuwait for medical treatment.
“It was really neat getting to see what first sergeant’s do, and how much they really help the people,” said McGlamery. “When I had to fly back to Kuwait during my 2018 deployment, it was the first sergeant that met me at two in the morning to get me to where I needed to be to get taken care of.”
This lasting impression the first sergeant left on McGlamery eventually led him to applying to and being selected for the 179th Medical Group’s first sergeant role at the 179th Cyberspace Wing in 2020, a role in which he served in until being selected as the 179th wing first sergeant in November, 2024.
One goal McGlamery has as the 179th wing first sergeant is to spread the word on what a first sergeant does.
The main role of a first sergeant is to focus on the readiness of the airmen, be the liaison from the airmen to the commander, and to be an advisor to the commander, said McGlamery.
However, McGlamery wants to expand the reach of the first sergeant role, becoming an even more present resource for the airmen of the wing.
“The biggest thing that we want people to know about is the resources of the first sergeant,” said McGlamery. “A lot of times airmen don't even know who their first sergeant is, and it is important to get that information out there. We want our airmen to use us as a resource for expectations as a member here.”
McGlamery acknowledged the sometimes negative perception of first sergeants, “A lot of people just don't want to see us,” McGlamery laughed. “We want to change the stigma that going to the first sergeant is not always a bad thing. At the end of the day, we are here to help and want to help.”
In order to do this, McGlamery credited empathy and compassion as the two main characteristics a first sergeant must have in order to be successful.
“As a first sergeant, you will be presented with many challenges,” said McGlamery. “The most important thing to focus on in every interaction you have with people is empathy and compassion. This is vital in order to enforce standards and set the precedence, while in a caring, respectful way.”
Another goal McGlamery has while in this role is to maintain and promote resiliency and camaraderie amongst the airmen at the 179th.
“It is important to acknowledge the challenge of keeping airmen motivated and involved and wanting to serve,” said McGlamery. “Focusing on morale is important in order to keep airmen engaged. This is how we grow camaraderie. We must continue to check on our people, focus and remember the little things about them, because that's what really makes people feel included and cared for.”
When asked what McGlamery would hope to share with those he serves in this new role, he stated that he will always be someone to come to, if needed.
“I would rather spend my entire weekend being interrupted by people coming to me for something, that's what we are here for,” McGlamery stated. “Nothing is more important than our people. Whatever is going on with the members is important to them, so at that moment, nothing is more important to us.”
| Date Taken: | 02.01.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 02.26.2025 12:10 |
| Story ID: | 489932 |
| Location: | MANSFIELD, OHIO, US |
| Web Views: | 68 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Leadership in Action: First Sergeant Stephen McGlamery's Story, by TSgt Alexis Wade, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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